ng.

"Nevertheless," resumed Randal, "I would at once retire were I not under
the firm persuasion that I shall convince all present, who now seem to
condemn me, that I act precisely according to Mr. Egerton's own private
inclinations. That gentleman, in fact, has never been amongst you, has
not canvassed in person, has taken no trouble, beyond a speech, that
was evidently meant to be but a general defence of his past political
career. What does this mean? Simply that his standing has been merely a
form, to comply with the wish of his party, against his own desire."

The Committee-men looked at each other amazed and doubtful. Randal saw
he had gained an advantage; he pursued it with a tact and ability which
showed that, in spite of his mere oratorical deficiencies, he had in
him the elements of a dexterous debater. "I will be plain with you,
gentlemen. My character, my desire to stand well with you all, oblige me
to be so. Mr. Egerton does not wish to come into parliament at present.
His health is much broken; his private affairs need all his time and
attention. I am, I may say, as a son to him. He is most anxious for
my success; Lord L'Estrange told me but last night, very truly, 'more
anxious for my success than his own.' Nothing could please him more
than to think I were serving in parliament, however humbly, those great
interests which neither health nor leisure will, in this momentous
crisis, allow himself to defend with his wonted energy. Later,
indeed, no doubt, he will seek to return to an arena in which he is
so distinguished; and when the popular excitement, which produces the
popular injustice of the day, is over, what constituency will not be
proud to return such a man? In support and proof of what I have thus
said, I now appeal to Mr. Egerton's own agent,--a gentleman who,
in spite of his vast fortune and the rank he holds in society, has
consented to act gratuitously on behalf of that great statesman. I ask
you, then, respectfully, Baron Levy, Is not Mr. Egerton's health much
broken, and in need of rest?"

"It is," said Levy.

"And do not his affairs necessitate his serious and undivided
attention?"

"They do indeed," quoth the baron. "Gentlemen, I have nothing to urge
in behalf of my distinguished friend as against the statement of his
adopted son, Mr. Leslie."

"Then all I can say," cried the butcher, striking his huge fist on the
table, "is, that Mr. Egerton has behaved d---d unhandsome to us, and